Swagger

This is what I don't understand. I thought we were supposed to be smart. It is very tough for us to compete for these players after they explode (Enzo, Caicedo, Bellingham), we really should be bringing them in just before they do. Thing is, the price is usually not that high, so even if we occasionally sign a player that doesn't work out, the loss isn't going to be catastrophic.

Considering? Less than 10 days to go until the end of the window. If you think he is good enough get an offer in or move unto the next one. This JoshLFC guy, by the way, has way too much time on his hands. Wonder if that changes come September 1st.

Aye, but some people just don't let facts get in the way of a good story.

That is what I'm afraid of. But not just FSG, Klopp as well.

I have a feeling that we have been priced out of the move for Doucoure, with Palace demanding an exorbitant fee.

Klopp is an amazing manager, but like all people he has his flaws, and we are allowed to point them out and analyse them.

He may well turn out to be a smart addition, but he is not enough. Certainly not if we have serious ambitions to challenge for the league.

James Pearce in the Athletic claiming that Endo has been brought in as first choice and that the club is not targeting another no. 6 this summer. Very disappointing if true.

How reliable is Simon Jones? I'd be very happy and optimistic going forward if we can get Doucoure before the end of the month.

Regarding Doucoure, read some murmurings on twitter (or whatever it is officially called now) that we are in conversations with Palace, some sort of an agreement is in place, and the reason it is kept quite is to allow Palace to get a replacement in before everyone knows they have money to burn. Probably just someone's random theory, but would be nice if true. He would be a fantastic addition.

I don't understand the Gravenberch links. DM and CB much more urgently needed. Talented player, but hasn't impressed at Bayern, and his last season at Ajax wasn't that impressive either. Getting him in as a project is fine, but only if it is on top of what is more urgently required.

I noticed that. Watched the game on TV so it just could have been the camera angle.

The thing with Endo, if they really wanted him on top of another DM, they would have got him in the moment they realised that Fabinho and Henderson were off. Get him in as the backup, the squad option, and then quietly go about getting in the first choice. The fact that they only got him in now feels to me that whilst they may still try for a first choice, they are not certain they can get one in (availability, market value, etc.), and do not want to end up scrambling on deadline day as they did last summer.

If he is match fit he can start as far as I'm concerned. I'll probably let Jurgen have the final word on this, though.

Good piece on Endo from 2 years ago

It is very encouraging, but at the same time I cannot help but think that if he is so highly rated, how come he has not been snapped up by one of the bigger teams in the Bundesliga.

Agreed. If he makes it harder for teams to stroll through our midfield, breaking play, winning the ball and passing it to the more technical players around him, then that it exactly what we are missing at the moment. Questions remain around how effective he is in helping break down teams who will sit low.

This would have made more sense if it was together with Lavia - someone more experienced for now, allowing the younger player time to settle in and learn the role. Perhaps this is their thinking, and they will look to recruit a young player from the continent or South America. Alternatively, he may be cover for Doucoure when he is off to AFCON.

If we can get Doucoure for around 60m all things considered that would be a great deal for us. Hopefully Delaney's information is solid.

More of an 8 than a DM though, isn't he?

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised ...

At first I was excited by the links to Luis as he seems very similar to Fabinho, but apparently he has lost his place in the side to an 18 year old so that has cooled my enthusiasm somewhat.

Which one? Florentino Luis?

Is he any good? 15m euros is petty cash in today's market, but I'd be loath him coming in and stinking the place.

This football club needs a full time director of football, none of this short term contract. Max Eberl would be good.